The Mohegan Maiden — page 94: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

96 te) THE MOHEGAN MAIDEN. were certain to help us in every possible way. Thus it was that we heard of the decree, and took time by the forelock in secreting ourselves, ‘““My wife was dead, and only a little child was left me, Taking this with me, in company with a friend or two, I set sail for the new world. We were fortunate in eluding those who sought us, and landed safely in Connecticut. For some time we resided in and about New Haven, but our retreat was finally discovered, and deeming it prudent to leave no trace by ee we might be sought out, we came hither. “ Still we had good friends, and though none of them could shelter us, they told our story to this good man, under whose roof we have dwelt for twelve years, Perhaps we should have lived and died unknown, had it not been for the Indian attack upon this town. Looking forth, 1 saw that the day was all too surely lost, unless some friend came to your assist- ance, I saw the thing that was needed, and the points re- quired to be held. Finally my old loye of military affairs overcame all other considerations, especially when I realized that the lives of myself and companion would very likely. be ‘sacrificed should the Indians become masters of the town. You know the result. . “There I saw you, young siryand realized that you were born for a master-spirit. Instantly my heart went forth to- ward you, and I could haye sworn eternal friendship for you at that time. But, hid myself in the midst of the victory, and had half forgotten you, when I fell into the hands of a party of Narragansetts. It was my custom to go forth at times and communicate with friends outside the village, and in such an hour | fell into the hands of the savages. Your- self and this brave Mohegan came to my rescue, and again did my heart go out to you. But, I checked the feeling, and stole away from you, to preserve my secret. Still I tired of this seclusion, and, though I dare not now proclaim my- self publicly, yet I would like your sympathy and friendship.” “You shall have them, sir!’ said the youth, who had been ‘much affected by the relation. “ Remember, you are sworn to keep my secret.” “Tam; and here is my hand that it shall be kept invio- late.” * conmmicloooks.conm oy